A year of saving but maybe also spending a bit too!

Skint_yet_Again

I’m sorry to hear you are feeling so low Time2count. It’s so difficult when you struggle to carry on and feelings of imposter syndrome make it worse. 

Could you speak to your gp? Does your employer have a workplace wellbeing counselling service? Your boss doesn’t need to know if it may help you to talk to someone. Do you have any annual leave you could take or maybe your gp could sign you off. Is your employer supportive with mental health issues? 

Wish there was more I could say or do to help. Sending you love and hugs x

Time2count

Thank you SYA for your suggestions and for caring.

I'm afraid I'm still at the fake it til you make it stage so I won't pretend I'll actually act on any of them, but I do appreciate your support.

The organisation as a whole is of course very supportive and inclusive etc, individually there are mixed views. If I tell my mgr it will be discussed at safeguarding meetings and there is 1 person in particular on the safeguarding team who I'd feel very uncomfortable knowing anything. About 10 years ago in a different company I told my 'supportive' manager when I was going through a similar thing. Within 3 months I was working in a different branch (suspect I'd have been managed out entirely except our union rep recognised symptoms in me and was a VERY vocal supporter of MH issues)

I'm not really any good at talking about my feelings (good old fashioned British repression and stiff upper lip) so will keep on plastering on the smile and claiming tiredness to anyone who asks what's wrong.

I do appreciate your message though SYA, please don't feel I'm unappreciative or rude for not taking any of your advice at this time. I'm sure I'll be ok soon. This is just a blip and normal service will resume 😂

Skint_yet_Again

No problem. I know how you feel as I went through similar feelings about work. I’ve always had that feeling of “shut up and get on with things” but I got to the point of endless crying, anxiety and being unable to function and was helped by counselling and anti-D’s and time signed off work. Everyone is different but do reach out to a non work organisation if you need help x

Time2count

Sorry you've felt so rubbish in the past, pleased you've come out the other side.
I did try CBT and antidepressants a decade ago.
The CBT just made me feel worse, my take-away was 'you control your brain and emotions so you're to blame for feeling this way' Antidepressants I only took for a couple of months, the Dr wouldn't prescribe more than 3 weeks at a time and I just couldn't afford the prescription charges so I stopped them.

I will give myself a month I think to see if my mood improves. If not I guess I'll need to do something to fix things. Thanks for caring.

Time2count

So it's the end of the month and payday. But sadly not allocating and totting up day. I've decided to do that on the 6th each month. I have 1 savings account which pays out on the 4th so taking into account weekends, the 6th means everything should be final. I am impatient, more so for the DDS to go out on Monday.

Skint_yet_Again

Finally payday and the end of January. Hope you are feeling stronger/ lighter / “better” (these words feel inadequate but you know what I mean).  Makes sense to wait until 6th if your monthly outgoings vary, my bank account is looking good but will dip once DD’s come out on Monday 😆

Time2count

Things are easier thanks for asking SYA.

I'm currently considering switching my ISA to a stocks and shares one in July (when my good interest rate will expire). Realistically I know I'll be leaving it untouched for at least 10 years (as long as no major horrible things happen!) so the advice is that's a good time frame for growth. BUT I don't understand the stock market so I'm quite apprehensive. It has taken me so long to save this money so I'm reluctant to risk it in any way. However with rates going down and costs still going up I think it'll be the right decision. I'm only going to switch this ISA, any savings throughout the year(s) will go into a different cash ISA so there will still be cash available should I require it. 

Time2count

Does anyone else get that anxiety feeling when paying for something more than their usual amounts?
I've just bought some theatre tickets for my son's birthday present. £130. I have the money for them, am comfortable with the price, yet now I'm feeling all kinds of anxious because I've actually pressed the 'pay' button.

[Deleted User]

Time2count said:

Does anyone else get that anxiety feeling when paying for something more than their usual amounts?
I've just bought some theatre tickets for my son's birthday present. £130. I have the money for them, am comfortable with the price, yet now I'm feeling all kinds of anxious because I've actually pressed the 'pay' button.

No I do not. You should feel joy because you are giving a lovely birthday present to your son. 

No need to be one of the MSE hairshirt brigade. 

Time2count

Am eager to get my budget set for the next year, but am waiting for the council tax bill and to find out what the rent increase will be. Everything else is known.